Condom packaging

ABSTRACT

A condom packaging and method of donning a condom are disclosed. The condom packaging has a top layer and a bottom layer, which are attached along two opposing sides. The opposing sides of the condom packaging may be squeezed to cause the packaging material and the condom to take a cylindrical shape to aid in donning the condom. In the method of donning a condom, a condom enclosed in a condom package is provided. The condom package has a packaging material surrounding the condom and is substantially flat with a top layer, a bottom layer, and two opposed sides. The opposed sides of the packaging material can be squeezed to cause the packaging material and the condom to take a cylindrical shape. The condom can then be donned and the condom package may be removed.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to condom packaging, and moreparticularly to a device for packaging and donning condoms.

INTRODUCTION

The recent significant increase in the incidence and spread of sexuallytransmitted diseases (STD's) has resulted in increased use of condoms asa prophylactic measure to reduce the risk of infection and transmissionof STD's.

Condoms generally comprise elongated thin, flexible, tubular sheathsmade of a resilient, rubber-like material, such as rubber or variousthermoplastic elastomers. Condoms are often difficult for the user toput on due to the small size of the device opening, and the resistanceto stretching of the open end of the device, which typically comprisesan annular ring designed for a tight fit.

During manufacture, condoms made of rubber or other stretchablematerials are typically rolled, which makes them easier to package,store, and apply. Even when condoms are so packaged, donning rolledcondoms is difficult because the user must pull the rubbery opening areaapart and widen the opening with his fingers to don the condom. Further,many condoms are sold with a lubricant coating or spermicide thereon,which often makes it difficult to grasp the condom prior to and duringthe donning of the condom.

Due to its prophylactic nature, it is important to avoid puncturing thecondom during its removal from the packaging and application by theuser. Punctures or tears provide gaps in the prophylactic defense of thecondom and can allow the transmittal of fluids that increase the risk oftransmitting sexually transmitted diseases or increase the chances of anunplanned pregnancy. The more a condom is handled by the user, thegreater the likelihood that the condom will be damaged. Thus, it isdesirable to decrease the amount of handling by the user during theapplication of the condom.

One condom package designed to allow application of the condom withoutrequiring the user to touch the condom is disclosed in Suzuki (U.S. Pat.No. 6,718,983), wherein fitting tapes are rolled with the condom whenpackaged. When the user opens the packaging, the fitting tapes hold thecondom in position for application while the user holds the externalpackaging structure.

The structures of the open end of condoms have been varied, for example,by widening the opening, to attempt to make it easier to don condoms,while still providing devices that do not inadvertently slip out ofplace.

Packing procedures and devices utilizing resilient rings to assist indonning surgical gloves are disclosed in Poncy et al. (U.S. Pat. No.4,275,812), wherein the cuff of each surgical glove is contained in acylindrical ring, which holds the glove open to aid in donning theglove. The cylindrical ring also contains the mouth of a bag thatencloses the outer surface of the glove to maintain sterility prior touse. The glove cuff is released from the ring, and the ring and bag areremoved after the surgeon has put on the gloves.

SUMMARY

The present invention may address one or more of the above-mentionedissues. Other features and/or advantages may become apparent from thedescription which follows.

Certain embodiments of the present teachings provide a condom packagingcomprising a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein the top layer and thebottom layer are attached along two opposing sides. The opposing sidesof the condom packaging may be squeezed to cause the packaging materialand the condom to take a cylindrical shape to aid in donning the condom.

Certain embodiments of the present teachings alternatively oradditionally provide a method of donning a condom, comprising providinga condom enclosed in a condom package, wherein the condom packagecomprises a packaging material that surrounds the condom and issubstantially flat with a top layer, a bottom layer, and two opposedsides. The opposed sides of the packaging material can be squeezed tocause the packaging material and the condom to take a cylindrical shape.The condom can then be donned and the condom package may be removed.

In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments willbecome evident. It should be understood that the invention, in itsbroadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more featuresof these aspects and embodiments. It should be understood that theseaspects and embodiments are merely exemplary and explanatory and are notrestrictive of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparentfrom the following detailed description of embodiments consistenttherewith, which description should be considered with reference to theaccompanying, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a condom package according to anembodiment of the present teachings in a sealed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a condom package according to theembodiment of FIG. 1 in an application position;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of a condom package according to theembodiment of FIG. 1 in a sealed position;

FIG. 4 is a cutaway side view of a condom package according to theembodiment of FIG. 1 in an application position;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway side view of a condom package according to anotherembodiment of the present teachings in an application position;

FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of a condom package according to anotherembodiment of the present teachings in an application position;

FIG. 7 is a cutaway side view of a condom package according to anotherembodiment of the present teachings in an application position;

FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of a condom package according to anotherembodiment of the present teachings in an application position;

FIG. 9 is a cutaway side view of the condom package according to theembodiment of FIG. 8 in a sealed position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a condom package according to yetanother embodiment of the present teachings in an application position;

FIG. 11 is a cutaway side view of a condom package according to yetanother embodiment of the present teachings in a sealed position; and

FIG. 12 is a cutaway side view of a condom package according to anotherembodiment of the present teachings in a sealed position.

Although the following detailed description makes reference toillustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, andvariations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended that the claimed subject matter be viewedbroadly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to various embodiments, examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, these variousexemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosure. To thecontrary, the disclosure is intended to cover alternatives,modifications, and equivalents.

The present teachings contemplate methods and embodiments for packagingvaried types and styles of condoms, including those that are not rolledup in the usual manner and those that include lubricants and othercomplimentary liquids, wherein the packaging can serve as a mechanicalapplicator to simplify donning the condom.

The condom positioned within a packaging in accordance with the presentteachings may be of any known structure and formed via any method knownin the art, including molding, extrusion, heat sealing, or dipping.

The condom package may be made of paper, foils, or plastics, as well asany combination thereof, such as foil-lined paper, plastic-lined paperor a wax-lined paper. The package may take a variety of forms such asrectangular, oval, etc. The package may be provided with a separationstructure, such as an edge tear area, a zipper-locked edge area, or anopenable, adhesively sealed edge area.

Example I

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present teachings, flangedcondom 8 of a selected thermoplastic elastomer material, such as apolyester-based polyurethane or polyurethane elastomer (e.g.ELASTOLLAN®) can be used (FIG. 1). Two roughly rectangular pieces offoil-lined paper 2 can be prepared with a separate piece of adhesivetape or compatible adhesive material attached at one end to an interiorfoiled side of each piece of paper. A remaining end of each piece ofadhesive tape can be attached to one of the flanges of the condom 8forming an attachment point 9. The tubular end T of the condom is rolledup or folded, and placed beneath the condom open end.

The two pieces of packaging material 2 can be placed together with thecondom therebetween and edge portions 6, 7 of the two pieces ofpackaging material 2 can be attached together (see FIG. 3), such as withan adhesive. In other embodiments, the packaging material can be onepiece of packaging material. The two pieces of packaging material 2 canbe adhered before a condom is placed inside. The adhesive along one ofthe edge portions 6, 7 (e.g., at the attachment point 9 of the condom)is spaced in from the edge, to provide an unglued package edge portion 7for gripping and opening the package for use.

The edge portions 6, 7 of packaging material 2 can be separated from thecentral portion of packaging material 2 by perforated areas 3, 4 toallow the edge portions 6, 7 to be removed. To don the condom, edgeportions 6, 7 can be torn off by the user. The user can then squeeze thesides S of the flattened packaging material 2 to form a substantiallycylindrical condom package 1 (see FIG. 2). The tubular end T of condom 8follows the packaging into an open application position due, forexample, to the adhesion of the flanges of condom 8 to attachment point9. The user can then don the condom 8 by sliding the condom applicator 1over the penis. Once the condom 8 has been donned, the user can thenremove the packaging material 2 by tearing the packaging material alongperforation 5. Perforation 5 is positioned substantially parallel toopposing sides S to assist the user in the removal of the packagingafter the condom has been donned.

While Example 1 discloses a single embodiment of the invention, otherembodiments other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from consideration of the specification andpractice of the teachings disclosed herein.

Other exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed inFIGS. 5-12.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present teachings, acondom package 20, 30 may comprise expansion member 21, 31 as shown inFIG. 5 and FIG. 6. Expansion member 21, 31 may comprise, for example,metal or plastic. Expansion member 21, 31 provides rigidity to thepackaging material 22, 32 at a tubular end T of the condom 8 and may aidin the formation of a circular opening for application. Expansion member21, 31 may be provided on either the interior or exterior of packagingmaterial 22, 32. In certain embodiments of the present teachings,expansion member 21, 31 may comprise a metal wire. After donning thecondom, expansion member 21, 31 can be separated along with the removalstructure (not shown) to aid in removal of the condom package 1.

In certain embodiments of the present teachings, attachment point 9 maybe formed without the use of adhesives. FIG. 7 shows a condom applicator40 comprising a hooked fastener 41. The hooked fastener 41 comprisesfastening portion 43 which grips the flanges F of condom 8. The hookedfastener 41 may comprise a material such as plastic, which can beadhered or mechanically attached to packaging material 42 in a knownmanner. After donning the condom, the hooked fastener 41 may bedisengaged from condom 8 by opening the packaging material 2 along theremoval structure (not shown) and moving the condom packaging in adirection opposite the opening of the hooked fastener.

In certain embodiments of the present teachings, attachment point 9 ofcondom applicator 50 can be on the exterior of packaging material 52(see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9). For example, adhesive tape 55 may be applied toan exterior of packaging material 52 and flanges of condom 8 may beaffixed to the adhesive tape at attachment point 9. In such embodiments,a removable tab 58 can be attached to the exterior of packaging material52. Edges 51 of removable tab 58 can be adhered to the exterior ofpackaging material 52 using know adhesive methods. Perforations 54 maybe employed to aid in the removal of removable tab 58 by allowing theuser to grasp an edge portion 57 and tear removable tab 58 from condomapplicator 50. Edge portion 56 may be removed at perforation 53. Afterthe condom is donned, packaging material 2 and the remaining edge 51 maybe removed by tearing the packaging material along a removal structure(not shown).

In certain embodiments of the present teachings, a condom package 60comprises a sealed end 66 (FIG. 10). In this embodiment, condom package60 is opened only at the tubular end T of condom 8. Once the edgeportion adjacent the flanges of condom 8 is removed, the user squeezesthe sides S of packaging material 62 to place the condom 8 in acylindrical shape for donning. After donning the condom, packagingmaterial 2 may be removed by tearing the packaging material alongperforation 65.

Condom 8 may be gathered or it can extend in a generally taut mannerwith in the condom package. For example, FIG. 1 shows a condom package 1comprising a taut condom 8, whereas FIG. 11 shows a condom package 70comprising a gathered condom 8. By gathering the condom, the length ofthe condom packaging can be decreased to a desired degree. In otherembodiments, the entire length of the condom or a portion thereof may beremovably adhered to the interior of the packaging material to hold thecondom in a substantially cylindrical shape when the sides of thepackaging are squeezed.

In certain embodiments of the present teachings, a lubricant or othercomplimentary liquid may be contained within the condom package.Complimentary liquids may include, for example, spermicides, flavorings,aromatic liquids, warming liquids, etc. For example, in FIG. 3, alubricant or complimentary liquid may be contained between condom 8 andthe interior surface 10 of packaging material 2. The lubricant orcomplimentary liquid may be contained within a fluid compartment withinan interior of the packaging material. For example, in FIG. 12, condompackage 80 comprises a lubricant or complimentary liquid L within fluidcompartment 81 within an interior of packaging material 82.

For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unlessotherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages orproportions, and other numerical values used in the specification andclaims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, thenumerical parameters set forth in the written description and claims areapproximations that may vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, andnot as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine ofequivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter shouldat least be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed hereinare to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumedtherein. For example, a range of “less than 10” includes any and allsubranges between (and including) the minimum value of zero and themaximum value of 10, that is, any and all subranges having a minimumvalue of equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal toor less than 10, e.g., 1 to 5.

It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims,the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” include plural referents unlessexpressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. Thus, for example,reference to “an adhesive” can include two or more different adhesives.As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants areintended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list isnot to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted oradded to the listed items.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variation can be made to the sample preparation deviceand method of the present disclosure without departing from the scopeits teachings. Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from consideration of the specification andpractice of the teachings disclosed herein. It is intended that thespecification and examples be considered as exemplary only.

1. A condom packaging comprising: a packaging material with a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer are connected along two opposing sides, wherein the adjoined opposing sides may be squeezed to cause the packaging material and the condom to form a cylinder to aid in donning the condom.
 2. The condom packaging of claim 1, wherein the packaging material further comprises at least one detachable edge portion adjacent the adjoined opposing sides.
 3. The condom packaging of claim 2, wherein the at least one detachable edge portion is separated from the remainder of the packaging material by a separation structure chosen from an edge tear area, a zipper-locked edge area, and an openable adhesively sealed edge area.
 4. The condom packaging of claim 1, wherein the packaging material is comprised of a material chosen from paper, foil, plastic, foil-lined paper, plastic-lined paper, and wax-lined paper.
 5. The condom packaging of claim 1, wherein the packaging material further comprises an adhesive or a mechanical fastener for removably holding a condom within the condom packaging.
 6. The condom packaging of claim 5, wherein the adhesive is an adhesive tape.
 7. The condom packaging of claim 5, wherein the mechanical fastener comprises a hooked fastener.
 8. The condom packaging of claim 5, wherein the adhesive or mechanical fastener is positioned on an exterior surface of the adjoined top and bottom layers of the packaging material.
 9. The condom packaging of claim 1, wherein the top layer and bottom layer are formed from at least two pieces of packaging material.
 10. The condom packaging of claim 2, wherein the packaging material comprises at least two removable edge portions.
 11. The condom packaging of claim 1, further comprising an expansion member attached to the packaging material.
 12. The condom packaging of claim 11, wherein the expansion member comprises a material chosen from metal and plastic.
 13. The condom packaging of claim 11, wherein the expansion member is attached to an exterior of the packaging material.
 14. The condom packaging of claim 1, wherein the packaging material further comprises a removal structure substantially parallel to the adjoined opposing sides chosen from a tear area, a zipper-locked area, and an adhesively sealed area.
 15. The condom packaging of claim 1, further comprising at least one fluid in an interior of the condom packaging.
 16. The condom packaging of claim 15, further comprising at least one fluid compartment within an interior of the packaging material, wherein the at least one fluid is contained within the at least one fluid compartment.
 17. The condom packaging of claim 15, wherein the at least one fluid is chosen from lubricants, spermicides, flavorings, aromatic liquids, and warming liquids.
 18. A method of donning a condom, comprising: providing a condom enclosed in a condom package, wherein the condom package comprises a packaging material that surrounds the condom and is substantially flat with a top layer, a bottom layer, and two opposed sides; squeezing the opposed sides of the packaging material to cause the packaging material and the condom to take a cylindrical shape; donning the condom; and removing the condom package from the condom.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the condom package further comprises at least one detachable edge portion adjacent the opposed sides of the packaging material, and the method further comprises removing the at least one edge portion prior to donning the condom.
 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the condom package further comprises a removal structure substantially parallel to the opposed sides chosen from a tear area, a zipper-locked area, and an adhesively sealed area, and the method further comprises opening the condom package along the removal structure after donning the condom and before removing the condom package. 